We have now been away from home for three full weeks. In almost exactly one week, to the hour that I’m writing this, we will hopefully be arriving home. We will be back to our two girls, Sara and Leah, from whom we’ve been away for so long.
Being separated from our daughters has been difficult, but much better than I expected. They have been well cared for by our parents, their Opa and Oma and Grandma and Grandpa, and have been doing all sorts of special things. From riding the bus just for fun, to horseback riding, the beach, picnics by the river, and the splash pad, they have been spoiled in the way that only Grandparents can.
There are several things that we have done to make this time apart easier for all of us. We left a “handbook” for our parents on the girls’ routines, friends, contact numbers etc. just so things will be easier for them. We bought and wrapped a little gift for the girls for every three days while we are away. We gave them little things like a Tim Horton’s card to celebrate Jeremy’s adoption day, a movie and microwave popcorn, smarties and hair ties, and things to keep them busy like modelling clay, paints, and craft supplies. Finally, the best thing that we did to prepare for being apart from our 3 and 6 year old is to set up Skype accounts. Both Opa and Oma and Grandma and Grandpa are set up with a webcam, mic and Skype account, as are we. Every other day or so, usually around 10pm our time, 4pm Canadian time, we go on Skype and talk with our girls. It has been wonderful! They show us crafts that they have made, hairstyles that Grandma has been experimenting on them, news of soccer games, and little events of the day. They have heard about our experiences, and most of all, get to see their little baby brother (although he usually is asleep). Skyping has really been what has kept us going. In fact, the times when separation has been the most difficult has been the times when we are unable to get online. The time in Johannesberg was particularly rough since we had a five day stretch without contact.
Since then, though, for the most part we’ve had regular contact and it’s so great to see Sara and Leah’s happy cheerful faces before we go to bed at night.
We’re on the home stretch. One week to go, and three of those days will be spent travelling. The countdown is on!
Being separated from our daughters has been difficult, but much better than I expected. They have been well cared for by our parents, their Opa and Oma and Grandma and Grandpa, and have been doing all sorts of special things. From riding the bus just for fun, to horseback riding, the beach, picnics by the river, and the splash pad, they have been spoiled in the way that only Grandparents can.
There are several things that we have done to make this time apart easier for all of us. We left a “handbook” for our parents on the girls’ routines, friends, contact numbers etc. just so things will be easier for them. We bought and wrapped a little gift for the girls for every three days while we are away. We gave them little things like a Tim Horton’s card to celebrate Jeremy’s adoption day, a movie and microwave popcorn, smarties and hair ties, and things to keep them busy like modelling clay, paints, and craft supplies. Finally, the best thing that we did to prepare for being apart from our 3 and 6 year old is to set up Skype accounts. Both Opa and Oma and Grandma and Grandpa are set up with a webcam, mic and Skype account, as are we. Every other day or so, usually around 10pm our time, 4pm Canadian time, we go on Skype and talk with our girls. It has been wonderful! They show us crafts that they have made, hairstyles that Grandma has been experimenting on them, news of soccer games, and little events of the day. They have heard about our experiences, and most of all, get to see their little baby brother (although he usually is asleep). Skyping has really been what has kept us going. In fact, the times when separation has been the most difficult has been the times when we are unable to get online. The time in Johannesberg was particularly rough since we had a five day stretch without contact.
Since then, though, for the most part we’ve had regular contact and it’s so great to see Sara and Leah’s happy cheerful faces before we go to bed at night.
We’re on the home stretch. One week to go, and three of those days will be spent travelling. The countdown is on!
These skype pictures of Sara & Leah turned out great. They sure can be goofy. And yes, skype has made all the difference. The girls don't realize the great distance between you when they see and talk to you every few days. They have done remarkably well. We loved spending the time with them, and keeping them busy with all the activities. They have a surprise for you when you get home.
ReplyDeleteWe are also counting the days when you will be home and have the whole family together. It's been a long haul for both of you, and the last couple of days will be the longest. We sure missed you with our 40th anniversary celebration though, but soon we'll all be camping together. Can't wait to snuggle my little guy. Perhaps the pilot can make a quick stop in our back 40???
Love to all three of you.
We'll be thinking of you as you travel back home! Hang in there - you'll all be under the same roof soon.
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